Question NW149 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
05 August 2019 - NW149
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
In light of the shooting incident that recently took place along the border in the area of Ndumo in KwaZulu-Natal between South African soldiers and Mozambican Border Police resulting in the death of two Mozambican border police officials, what does she intend to do (a) with the findings of the board of inquiry’s investigation, (b) with the South African soldiers who are found to be involved in something untoward in respect of the incident and (c) in order to ease tensions and resume good relations between the two countries?
Reply:
1. (a) A Joint Multinational Board of Inquiry (BOI) was convened where the representatives of the respective countries involved will investigate the shooting incident. The agreed upon target date for the completion of the BOI is 30 July 2019. The normal legal process will be followed thereafter to ensure that the findings will be implemented.
(a) As this matter is sub judice at this stage, till the completion of the BOI, this question cannot be answered, but it needs to be mentioned that all members will be dealt with in accordance with the findings and recommendations of the BOI.
(b) With the SANDF agreeing to convene a Multinational Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident, it demonstrates the intention to be completely transparent and not to cover up any wrongdoing on the side of the SANDF members that resulted in the sad incident. This approach is believed to contribute and to ensure continued good relations between the two countries.